Did you know that misaligned teeth are not the only teeth that need braces? That’s right – people who have overlapped teeth, experience major difficulties while chewing, or have teeth with excessive spacing can have all of those issues corrected with braces.
However, it is not always easy to determine whether you need braces. Sometimes, the deciding factor can be invisible – or, because you have gotten so used to your teeth, you have not noticed if any of the abovementioned orthodontic problems have emerged.
That’s why it is so important you know the signs. Interested in learning more? Keep reading for three indicators that you might need braces.
1. Overbite
One of the most common reasons people get braces is due to an overbite. An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth stick out over the lower front teeth and is also referred to as a malocclusion, which describes crooked or misaligned teeth.
While an overbite seems like no big deal, if left uncorrected or untreated, it can lead to significant changes to the body, including:
- Breathing complications
- Issues with clear speech
- Tooth decay or cavities
- Pain in upper and lower jaws
- Temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
- Challenges while chewing
If you have an overbite, you likely need braces – and the time to act is now.
2. Underbite
Quite literally the opposite of an overbite, an underbite occurs when the lower front teeth extend farther out than the upper front teeth. While this may seem like no big deal because it’s the reverse of an overbite, the long-term, left-untreated symptoms are actually different.
Underbites occur in stages. A mild underbite is likely not noticeable to others – however, in a severe situation, the jaw has a chance of sticking out so far that others can notice it.
If an underbite is left uncorrected or untreated, it can lead to:
- Chronic bad breath (halitosis)
- Sleep apnea
- TMDs
- Mouth breathing
Do not leave an underbite to continue developing – act fast, and act now.
3. Crowding
As the most common condition taken care of within orthodontics, crowding occurs when there are too many teeth and not enough room in your mouth to house those teeth. Dentists deal with this on a daily basis, so braces will likely be suggested to you from the start if the case is strongly requiring them.
As time moves forward, your teeth will crowd more and more, taking up every single available space until your mouth is entirely uncomfortable or in pain. If left uncorrected, crowding teeth can cause:
- Dental caries or cavities
- Gum/periodontal disease
- Pains and aches in the jaw or teeth
- TMDs
- Difficulties chewing or biting down on food
Do not allow your teeth to have more control than you. If treated early and correctly, the crowd will dissipate in no time!
Signs You Need Braces – Be On the Lookout
Even if your teeth appear straight from the view of yourself in the mirror, it is highly important that you be on the lookout for signs you need braces. When implemented early, braces can perfect your smile for the rest of your life!
An overbite, underbite, and teeth crowding are all major signs that you need braces. Should you be experiencing any of these orthodontic conditions, reach out to your local orthodontist to schedule a consultation.
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